The star Posh striker celebrated his new four-year contract by opening the scoring as Darren Ferguson's men saw off a Liverpool XI 4-1 in their first London Road appearance of the summer.

And Mclean, who agreed an extended deal after coming off the transfer list at his own request on Thursday, admitted that he was thrilled to get back in the goalscoring groove.

Mclean said: "It was back to normal for me. I had a good chance and I stuck it away which was very pleasing.

"Liverpool were a decent young side. They were very energetic but we were more clinical than them in the final third.

"It doesn't matter who you are playing or whether it is a friendly, it is important to win and we managed that with a professional performance."

Mclean's strike was a welcome sight for boss Ferguson who hopes his most lethal weapon can continue in the sort of form that saw him net 33 times during Posh's promotion campaign.

Ferguson said: "We are a club that wants to keep hold of our better players so it is good news.

"I said at the time I felt Aaron had made a wrong decision in asking for a transfer.

"When people are away in summer they sometimes get influenced in the wrong ways but Aaron is a sensible lad.

"Everyone is delighted he has signed a new contract as it puts closure on things and Aaron is doing what he did last season – knocking the goals in."

Young winger Alfie Potter, Charlie Lee and Scott Rendell also found the net for Posh as they overcame the Anfield youngsters.